IPSWICH Town hitman Jason Scotland has today confirmed that Boro enquired about his availability.

However, the experienced Trinidad international insists he’s happy at Portman Road.

Scotland, who will be in Paul Jewell’s Ipswich line-up for tomorrow’s clash with Boro at the Riverside, also turned down the chance of a deadline day move to Blackpool.

The 32-year-old is in the final year of his contract with the Tractor Boys but is in no rush to leave Sussex.

He said today: “The manager has told me they are interested.

“I think they spoke to him before the transfer deadline closed. I’m told they were just enquiring, I don’t think a bid ever came in, but I told the manager I was happy here.

“It’s good to know that people are still interested in you and still look at you highly,” Scotland added.

“It does give you a boost to know you are still doing something right, especially when you haven’t been playing as much.

“I’ve always been happy here and throughout all of this I’ve just kept my head down and trained hard. I know it’s the final year of my contract but I haven’t taken too much time to think about that.”

It’s no secret that Boro are searching for an experienced striker to provide cover for Marvin Emnes and Scott McDonald.

But Mowbray insists any player coming in will have to fight for the right to play in the first team.

“The urgency to get out there and badger clubs like we were have gone away,” he said referring to Boro’s quest to make new signings.

“The questions have been asked and when it suits them they'll come back to us. I wouldn't be telling players lies. There’s no guarantee they are going to get in our team. Our team's going well, why would you sacrifice one of your own players under contract for a boy just coming in for a month?”